Moving Out of London? Complete End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

Moving out of a rented property in London is one of the most stressful things you can do. Between packing, forwarding mail, cancelling utilities, and coordinating the move itself, it's easy to overlook the cleaning — which is exactly the thing that determines whether you get your full deposit back.

We've cleaned hundreds of London properties for tenants moving out, and we know exactly what letting agents check. Here's your complete room-by-room checklist.

Preparation

• Remove all furniture that's yours (agents will look behind everything)
• Take down all shelves, hooks, and mounted items — fill any holes and touch up paint
• Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the clean
• Empty all cupboards and drawers
• Remove all rubbish, recycling, and personal items

Kitchen — the most important room

Letting agents always check the kitchen first. If it's not perfect, questions are asked.

• Oven: Inside the door, the glass, the racks, the tray, every burner on the hob. Grease buildup is the #1 deposit deduction.
• Extractor fan: Degrease the hood and clean or replace the filter.
• Fridge and freezer: Defrost, wipe every shelf and drawer, clean the seals, leave the door slightly ajar to dry.
• Cupboards and drawers: Empty and wipe all interior surfaces, doors, handles, and tracks.
• Worktops and splashback: Degrease and disinfect.
• Sink and taps: Descale the taps, polish the sink, clean the plughole.
• Windows: Inside frames, sills, and tracks — streak-free glass.
• Floor: Mop thoroughly, including under the fridge if possible.

Bathroom

• Toilet: Clean inside, outside, behind the base, around the cistern, and the seat hinges.
• Shower or bath: Remove limescale from glass screens, tiles, taps, and showerhead. Clean grout lines.
• Sink and vanity: Descale taps, clean under the sink cabinet.
• Mirror: Streak-free, no spots.
• Extractor fan: Vacuum the vent cover and wipe the surround.
• Towel rail and accessories: Wipe down all fittings.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

• Floors: Hoover and mop everywhere — under beds, sofas, wardrobes, and desks.
• Skirting boards and architraves: Dust and wipe every surface, not just the ones at eye level.
• Light switches and sockets: Wipe down (switch off the mains first).
• Radiators: Dust behind, between, and on top of the panels.
• Windows: Inside glass, frames, sills, and tracks.
• Built-in wardrobes: Wipe shelves, rails, and drawers inside and out.
• Blinds and curtains: Dust blinds, check curtains for marks, remove cobwebs.
• Door frames and doors: Wipe down — especially around handles.

Hallways, Stairs, and Landings

• Front door: Clean inside and out, including the letterbox, spyhole, and frame.
• Stairs: Hoover every step, dust banisters, spindles, and handrails.
• Shoes and coat storage: Wipe down units, vacuum inside cupboards.
• Cobwebs: Check all corners, ceilings, and light fittings.

Final check before handing over keys

• Take photos of every room — you may need evidence later
• Remove all rubbish and recycling — don't leave anything behind
• Wipe down bins inside and out
• Check the inventory report — compare it to the check-in report
• Leave all keys, fobs, and manuals in a visible spot
• Read the meter and take a photo

Save yourself the stress — book a professional

A professional end of tenancy clean from Book the Cleaner covers every item on this checklist. Our cleaners know exactly what London letting agents look for — they've done this hundreds of times across Camden, Islington, Hampstead, and all our 28 London areas.

Priced from £180 for a full property. Satisfaction guaranteed — if your agent isn't happy, we re-clean for free.

Book your end of tenancy clean online — takes two minutes.